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Recent French-influenced openings and mainstays are subtly taking the Charleston restaurant scene by storm. Bistros, brasseries, cafes, cocktail bars, and pastry shops are popping up all over the city. With French cuisine setting the gold standard for technique and preparation, these 11 spots are worth a try — no matter the occasion.
Read MoreFrench Lowcountry cuisine has become a thing at chef Fred Neuville’s John’s Island restaurant Fat Hen. Expect farm-to-table, local ingredients in a relaxing atmosphere.
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Chef John Zucker’s newest creation is dishing out French favorites in a relaxed setting at Purlieu. The P237Burger is well documented, and it delivers, but appetizers like the rabbit foie gras mousse and side dishes like the creamy cauliflower puree are what sets this newcomer apart.
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Find a daily handwritten menu at small Charleston classic Chez Nous. Chef Jill Mathias is known for her beautiful plating, and her menu keeps diners guessing as she aims to provide guests with a one-of-a-kind experience.
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This vibrant cocktail bar hit King street this past November. The vibe is casual yet classy, as small plates like lobster deviled eggs and French onion soup are served alongside creative cocktails and wine. Felix is a fun place to meet a friend or a date for a drink and quick bites.
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A long time Charleston favorite, the expansive menu at 39 Rue de Jean ranges from steak frites to sushi rolls and nigiri made in house by a sushi chef. This classic French bistro is a place to socialize over affordable wine and hearty plates.
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Owners Patrice and Celine Rombaut have brought their western French background to the College of Charleston area of King Street. Savory ingredients come in a gluten-free, buckwheat crepe, while fruit, Nutella, and ice cream fill the sweet variety.
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This King Street wine and cheese bar is perfecting both. Cheese is selected weekly and the wine menu is ever changing, keeping Bin 152 an exciting place to start a night with friends.
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Also known as Fast & French, country cafe Gaulart & Maliclet serves up breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily in a laid-back setting. Expect satisfying soups, croque monsieurs, and daily specials that come with a free glass of house wine.
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French-trained chef Nico Romo uses a powerful wood-fired oven to create classics like scallops gratin. Shareable raw plates are the other hallmark at Nico, as a dozen different kinds of oysters are carefully selected and served with the abductor muscle on to preserve freshness.
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Enter through an unassuming exterior to Mount Pleasant neighborhood destination Bistro Toulouse. Go with the generous bouillabaisse or try the duck breast which is served alongside house made tagliatelle pasta. Wash it all down with a glass of wine from the ever-changing list.
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Saveurs Du Monde is French at its core, as Thierry and Christine Chateau stumbled upon Charleston when they left France with their children to sail around the world in 2008. The couple now churns out macaroons, baguette sandwiches and crepes for breakfast and lunch at two Mt. Pleasant locations.
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French Lowcountry cuisine has become a thing at chef Fred Neuville’s John’s Island restaurant Fat Hen. Expect farm-to-table, local ingredients in a relaxing atmosphere.
Chef John Zucker’s newest creation is dishing out French favorites in a relaxed setting at Purlieu. The P237Burger is well documented, and it delivers, but appetizers like the rabbit foie gras mousse and side dishes like the creamy cauliflower puree are what sets this newcomer apart.
Find a daily handwritten menu at small Charleston classic Chez Nous. Chef Jill Mathias is known for her beautiful plating, and her menu keeps diners guessing as she aims to provide guests with a one-of-a-kind experience.
This vibrant cocktail bar hit King street this past November. The vibe is casual yet classy, as small plates like lobster deviled eggs and French onion soup are served alongside creative cocktails and wine. Felix is a fun place to meet a friend or a date for a drink and quick bites.
A long time Charleston favorite, the expansive menu at 39 Rue de Jean ranges from steak frites to sushi rolls and nigiri made in house by a sushi chef. This classic French bistro is a place to socialize over affordable wine and hearty plates.
Owners Patrice and Celine Rombaut have brought their western French background to the College of Charleston area of King Street. Savory ingredients come in a gluten-free, buckwheat crepe, while fruit, Nutella, and ice cream fill the sweet variety.
This King Street wine and cheese bar is perfecting both. Cheese is selected weekly and the wine menu is ever changing, keeping Bin 152 an exciting place to start a night with friends.
Also known as Fast & French, country cafe Gaulart & Maliclet serves up breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily in a laid-back setting. Expect satisfying soups, croque monsieurs, and daily specials that come with a free glass of house wine.
French-trained chef Nico Romo uses a powerful wood-fired oven to create classics like scallops gratin. Shareable raw plates are the other hallmark at Nico, as a dozen different kinds of oysters are carefully selected and served with the abductor muscle on to preserve freshness.
Enter through an unassuming exterior to Mount Pleasant neighborhood destination Bistro Toulouse. Go with the generous bouillabaisse or try the duck breast which is served alongside house made tagliatelle pasta. Wash it all down with a glass of wine from the ever-changing list.
Saveurs Du Monde is French at its core, as Thierry and Christine Chateau stumbled upon Charleston when they left France with their children to sail around the world in 2008. The couple now churns out macaroons, baguette sandwiches and crepes for breakfast and lunch at two Mt. Pleasant locations.
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